The PCCC had a clean sweep of victories in four down-ballot Virginia primaries on June 13. PCCC members helped turn these campaigns from long-shots to victories over establishment-backed candidates.

We were proud to support four incredible progressives running for Delegate in Prince William County: Danica Roem (VA-HD13), Jennifer Carroll Foy (VA-HD02), and Elizabeth Guzman (VA-HD31), as well as Justin Fairfax for Lt. Governor.

Justin Fairfax defeated the closest of his two opponents by 10 points statewide. Danica Roem won by 498 votes (a commanding margin of 11 points over the closest of her three opponents). Elizabeth Guzman won by 4 points, or a mere 253 votes. And, in one of the closest races in Virginia history, Jennifer Carroll Foy won by 12 votes (that’s a mere 0.28% of the vote). In these down-ballot races, every vote counts, and the support PCCC members provided to mobilize voters made the difference for these bold progressives.

Each of these candidates have incredible stories. And they are just a few of the unprecedented number of Resistance-inspired candidates running across Virginia. PCCC supported Danica, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Justin early, as one of the first groups to endorse candidates in competitive primaries, and this gave them early money and an edge against their establishment-backed opponents.

Our big wins in Virginia show where PCCC local and state electoral work is headed next. We are proud to provide difference-making support for a slate of bold progressives that will make an ambitious policy agenda possible in Virginia. Democrats need to retake state houses in Virginia and across the country to pass crucial policies like Medicaid expansion, living wages, and upholding the Paris climate agreement.

Here’s more on why our candidates were so groundbreaking:

Danica Roem (VA-HD13): Danica, a longtime journalist, is running to become the first transgender elected official in Virginia history — and she’s …

How to Win Endorsements from Local Organizations
Local Unions, Environmental Groups, Womenai??i??s Groups, and More!

Why Are Endorsements So Important?
Endorsements can give emphasis to a campaign in several ways:

Validation: Organizations, such as local unions and social movement groups can lend credibility to candidates by providing political context to newcomers or expanding support for elected officials seeking higher office.

Money: Even the most effective, efficient campaigns require funding. Organizations can bolster a campaignai??i??s coffers or even help a fledgling campaign compete against a crowded and/or competitive field.

Press: Along the lines of validation, an organizationai??i??s stamp of approval often draws media attention. Organizations issue press releases announcing their endorsements, write and place supportive op-eds at crucial junctures, and promote activities that can generate buzz with reporters.

Volunteers: An organization can mobilize its members to volunteer on your behalf. Local members can amplify your message to neighbors, co-workers, and friends, while national members can fundraise and make calls in support of your campaign.

Votes: Organizations not only bolster a campaignai??i??s Get Out the Vote efforts leading up to election day, but can also encourage its local members to turn out and vote.

What Is The Process?

The standard endorsement process often includes five steps: (1) Introductions and Initial Meetings; (2) Questionnaires and Interviews; (3) Follow-Up; (4) Endorsement; and (5) Financial Benefit.

There are several key factors to keep in mind while going through the process:

A strong introduction can go a long way — reach out to your networks to determine the who might be able to provide most effective introduction to an organization.
Do your homework — research past endorsed candidates to ensure your campaign would be a good fit, and have a firm grasp of the organizationai??i??s goals and work.
Remember this is a political process — it takes time; be patient.

How Should A Campaign Approach Endorsements?

It is not as hard …